Parent Expresses Concern on Ag Program

A local parent expresses concern about the direction of the agriculture education program in the Stephens County school system.

Leslie Allen came before to Stephens County Board of Education to speak on the matter during Tuesday’s meeting.

Allen noted that currently, the Ag program at Stephens County performs well at the state level in competitions and by other measures of success.

She said as a parent and member of the community, she is confused, concerned, and angry about what is transpiring in the Ag program.

“I feel that this is unwarranted and uncalled for,” said Allen, expressing concern about the Vet Tech program and its future.

“The Ag Department has worked hard to unify the county’s Ag program and push our students to work hard and perform on a competitive level,” said Allen.

Stephens County School Superintendent Bryan Dorsey confirmed that the system’s three current Ag teachers are leaving and three new teachers were hired on Tuesday night by the Stephens County Board of Education.

Dorsey said that no changes to curriculum are planned and the same programs are to be available next year.

“At this time, we are not anticipating any changes to the curriculum,” said Dorsey. “Those schedules are already built.”

He went on to say that the Stephens County Board of Education is committed to a strong Ag program.

“We are always glad to hear the comments and concerns of the parents,” said Dorsey. “I can say that we absolutely want a strong program for all of our programs and all of our kids and we feel confident with the three Ag teachers we added this evening, that is where we are heading.”

The new hires were approved as part of the school board’s Human Resources Report.